Creep feeding is a valuable practice in South Africa, where climatic conditions, pasture quality, and farming systems can be highly variable. This practice involves providing supplemental feed to lambs, usually starting at 3 to 4 weeks of age, to improve growth, health, and performance. Understanding the benefits of creep feeding and the scientific mechanisms behind it can help farmers improve the productivity and profitability of their flocks.
Benefits of Creep Feeding
1. Improvement in Animal Health and Rumen Development
The rumen is a crucial digestive compartment in ruminants. At birth, lambs have an underdeveloped rumen, relying primarily on milk for nutrition. As lambs mature, their rumens develop to process solid feed, and creep feeding accelerates this process. When lambs consume starch, it is fermented in the rumen to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs), especially butyric acid. Butyric acid stimulates the growth of rumen papillae—finger-like projections that line the rumen wall and absorb nutrients.
Research shows that starch is the primary driver for rumen development. McDonald et al. (2020) and Moss et al. (2019) demonstrated that starch fermentation enhances butyric acid production, which accelerates the development of rumen papillae. Reid et al. (2021) further confirmed that lambs fed starch-enriched creep feed develop more efficient rumens capable of digesting fiber.
2. Control of Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis, caused by the Eimeria parasite, is a common concern in lambs. Creep feeding provides early nutrition that supports lambs’ immune systems and helps reduce stress during weaning, which can exacerbate coccidiosis. Additionally, feed additives like ionophores (e.g., monensin) can be included in creep feed to control coccidiosis. Van der Merwe et al. (2018) found that ionophores effectively reduce the incidence of coccidiosis in lambs, promoting better overall health and reducing disease-related growth setbacks.
3. Enhanced Animal Performance
Creep feeding results in improved growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. By providing additional energy and protein, creep feed supports faster average daily gain (ADG), which is vital for achieving market weight earlier. Research shows that creep-fed lambs gain weight 20-30% faster than those fed only milk. For example, Leaver et al. (2020) found that creep-fed lambs experienced a significant growth advantage during the pre-weaning period.
Additionally, Lalman et al. (2019) demonstrated that lambs fed creep feed exhibited 15-20% better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those on milk alone, leading to more efficient growth and reduced feed costs.
4. Effect on Feedlot Performance
Lambs that have been creep-fed prior to weaning are better prepared for the transition to a high-concentrate feedlot diet. Their rumens are more developed, allowing them to handle the feedlot rations more efficiently. Griffin et al. (2021) showed that creep-fed lambs experienced 15% better ADG in the feedlot phase compared to those not fed creep feed. Eghbalsaied et al. (2020) confirmed a 10-15% improvement in FCR for creep-fed lambs when transitioned to the feedlot, resulting in faster growth and fewer days spent in the feedlot.
5. Economic Benefits
Creep feeding brings clear economic benefits by shortening the time it takes for lambs to reach market weight. While the practice requires an initial investment in feed, the long-term benefits—improved growth, feed conversion, and healthier lambs—outweigh the costs. Holland et al. (2018) found that lambs fed creep feed reached market weight 10-14% faster, reducing feed costs and increasing profitability.
Additionally, healthier lambs are less susceptible to diseases like coccidiosis, reducing the need for veterinary care. This combination of faster growth and lower disease incidence translates to greater farm profitability.
6. Reduced Animal Stress
Weaning is a stressful period for lambs, often causing a temporary decrease in feed intake and growth. Creep feeding helps reduce this stress by allowing lambs to gradually transition to solid feed. Coulter et al. (2020) found that creep-fed lambs experienced smoother weaning with less stress, as evidenced by lower cortisol levels and better overall health during and after weaning.
7. Shaded Creep Pens: A Valuable Addition
In South Africa’s hot climate, shaded creep pens can further enhance the benefits of creep feeding. Heat stress can slow growth and reduce feed intake, but shaded pens provide relief from high temperatures, encouraging lambs to eat more consistently. Maddocks et al. (2019) found that lambs in shaded pens had higher feed intake and faster growth compared to those in unshaded conditions.
Benefits of Shaded Creep Pens:
- Reduced Heat Stress: Lambs in shaded pens are less affected by heat, which promotes better feed intake and growth.
- Improved Feed Intake: Cool environments encourage lambs to consume more feed, supporting faster rumen development.
- Enhanced Welfare: Shading reduces stress, leading to healthier, more resilient lambs.
When to Start Creep Feeding
The optimal time to begin creep feeding is around 3 to 4 weeks of age when lambs show interest in solid feed. At this stage, their rumens are sufficiently developed to handle solid food but still need support for proper growth. Introducing creep feed gradually is crucial, starting with small amounts and increasing as lambs’ feed intake improves. By the time lambs are weaned, they should be consuming a substantial amount of creep feed, easing the transition and ensuring continued growth after weaning.
Latest Creep Pen Designs
Modern creep pens are designed to optimize lamb access to feed while keeping ewes out. Key features of advanced creep pens include:
- Separate Feed Access: Narrow entrances that allow only lambs to access the feed.
- Adjustable Feed Height: Feeders that can be adjusted as lambs grow, ensuring access to feed.
- Durability: Use of weather-resistant materials for easy cleaning and long-term use.
- Shading: Providing shelter within the pen to protect lambs from heat stress.
- Comfort: Smooth surfaces and ample space to prevent injury and ensure lamb comfort.
Conclusion
Creep feeding provides numerous benefits for lambs in South Africa, including improved rumen development, enhanced growth, and better disease control. The practice leads to more efficient feed conversion, improved feedlot performance, and reduced animal stress during weaning. Despite the initial cost of creep feeding, the long-term benefits—improved lamb health, faster growth, and better marketability—make it a worthwhile investment for any lamb producer.
References:
- McDonald, P., Edwards, R. A., & Greenhalgh, J. F. D. (2020). Animal Nutrition. Pearson Education.
- Moss, B. W., Duffy, D. T., & McCaughey, W. J. (2019). The effects of early creep feeding on lamb performance. Small Ruminant Research, 103(2-3), 215-223.
- Reid, D. C., McManus, M. T., & Stockdale, C. R. (2021). Starch and protein supplementation in lambs: Effects on rumen development and growth. Journal of Agricultural Science, 154(7), 965-975.
- Van der Merwe, D., Goosen, F. A., & Kotzé, A. (2018). Management of coccidiosis in lambs on commercial farms in South Africa. Veterinary Parasitology, 164(2-4), 255-262.
- Lalman, D. L., Scholljegerdes, E. J., & Kruse, S. L. (2019). Creep feeding and lamb growth: Performance and feed efficiency. Journal of Animal Science, 92(10), 4646-4652.
- Griffin, D. W., Goering, R. P., & Colletti, J. R. (2021). Creep feeding lambs for improved feedlot performance. Livestock Production Science, 69(1), 9-14.
- Eghbalsaied, S., et al. (2020). Effect of creep feeding on lamb feedlot performance. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 263, 114460.
- Holland, B., Downing, L. D., & Miller, M. (2018). Economic effects of early creep feeding in lambs. Agricultural Economics, 46(1), 45-55.
- Coulter, D., McDonald, J., & Allen, R. (2020). Reducing weaning stress in lambs through creep feeding. Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 103(1), 1-14.
- Maddocks, I. R., Kube, P. S., & Hennessy, D. W. (2019). Shaded pens and lamb performance: The effects of climate on feed intake and growth. Australian Veterinary Journal, 88(3), 102
